US11266779B2 - IV set spike with enhanced removal force - Google Patents

Abstract

IV spikes are described herein. An IV spike includes a spike body. The spike body can be formed of a first material and can include a spike portion converging to a point. The IV spike further includes at least one spike flow port formed through the spike body. The IV spike further includes a lower flow port in fluid communication with the at least one spike flow port. The IV spike can also include an overmolded engagement feature disposed around the spike body, wherein the overmolded engagement feature comprises a second material and is configured to retain the IV spike within an IV container.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to IV spikes, and, in particular, to IV spikes with engagement features.

BACKGROUND

Medical treatments often include the infusion of a medical fluid (e.g., a saline solution or a liquid medication) to patients using an intravenous (IV) catheter that is connected though an arrangement of flexible tubing and fittings, commonly referred to as an “IV set,” to a source of fluid, for example, an IV container, bag, or bottle. An IV set can include an IV spike to pierce a membrane of an IV container to allow the medical fluid to exit the IV container. Once an IV spike is advanced through the membrane of the IV container, medical fluid can flow through the IV spike to the IV set.

In some applications, the IV container can be a blow molded polyethylene bottle. The blow molded bottles may have a thin wall thickness and low compliance. In certain applications, during the use of IV sets, the IV spike may be inadvertently removed from the IV container.

SUMMARY

The disclosed subject matter relates to IV spikes with engagement features. In certain embodiments an IV spike comprises a spike body comprising a first material and a spike portion converging to a point; at least one spike flow port formed through the spike body; a lower flow port in fluid communication with the at least one spike flow port; and an overmolded engagement feature disposed around the spike body, wherein the overmolded engagement feature comprises a second material and is configured to retain the IV spike within an IV container.

In certain embodiments, an IV spike comprises a spike body comprising a first material and a spike portion converging to a point; at least one spike flow port formed through the spike body; a lower flow port in fluid communication with the at least one spike flow port; and an engagement feature extending radially away from the spike body wherein the engagement feature is configured to retain the IV spike within an IV container.

In certain embodiments, a method to transfer fluid from an IV container to a drip chamber comprises engaging an engagement feature of an IV spike against a membrane of the IV container; and directing flow from the IV container to the drip chamber through the IV spike.

It is understood that various configurations of the subject technology will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure, wherein various configurations of the subject technology are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the subject technology is capable of other and different configurations and its several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the summary, drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate disclosed embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of an IV set, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of an IV spike for use with the IV set ofFIG. 1, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the IV spike ofFIG. 2, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the IV spike ofFIG. 2, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an IV spike for use with the IV set ofFIG. 1, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an IV spike for use with the IV set ofFIG. 1, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an IV spike for use with the IV set ofFIG. 1, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed IV spike incorporates features to engage and seal against various types of IV containers. The IV spike can engage with portions of IV containers to retain the IV spike within the IV container. The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. Like components are labeled with identical element numbers for ease of understanding. Reference numbers may have letter suffixes appended to indicate separate instances of a common element while being referred to generically by the same number without a suffix letter.

While the following description is directed to the administration of medical fluid to a patient by a medical practitioner using the disclosed IV spike, it is to be understood that this description is only an example of usage and does not limit the scope of the claims. Various aspects of the disclosed IV spike may be used in any application where it is desirable to prevent inadvertent removal of an IV spike.

The disclosed IV spike overcomes several challenges discovered with respect to the operation and setup of certain IV sets. One challenge with certain conventional IV spikes is that they may have a low removal force (less than one pound of force) from IV containers of varying or different construction. Because certain conventional IV spikes may be removed with low amounts of force, certain conventional IV spikes may be inadvertently or unintentionally removed from the IV container, interrupting the medical treatment.

Therefore, in accordance with the present disclosure, it is advantageous to provide an IV spike as described herein that can be securely engaged within different IV containers. The disclosed IV spike provides engagement features to engage with various IV containers. Advantageously, the disclosed IV spike allows for clinicians to consistently and reliably utilize the IV spike without inadvertently removing the IV spike from the IV containers. Further, the disclosed IV spike can be reliably used with a variety of IV containers, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) IV bags and/or blow molded polyethylene infusion bottles. Additionally, the IV spike can seal against IV containers to prevent leaks.

An example of an IV spike that can engage with various IV containers is now described.

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of an IVset100, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the depicted example, the IVset100 can provide medical fluid from an IV container, bag, orbottle102 to a patient.

As illustrated, an IVspike110 facilitates the transfer of fluid from the IVcontainer102 to the patient via thedrip chamber104. During operation, the IVspike110 is advanced through the IVcontainer102 to pierce the membrane of the sealed IVcontainer102. As the IVspike110 is advanced, the membrane of the IVcontainer102 is displaced. After the IVspike110 is introduced, engagement features of the IVspike110 retain the IVspike110 within the IVcontainer102. Further, the engagement features of the IVspike110 can seal the IVspike110 against the IVcontainer102.

As illustrated, the IVcontainer102 can be any suitable container to store medical fluid. In some embodiments, the IVcontainer102 is a PVC IV bag. In some applications, such as some developing countries, the IVcontainer102 can vary in construction from a PVC IV bag. For example, the IVcontainer102 can be a blow molded polyethylene infusion bottle. Additionally, the IVcontainer102 can have thinner wall construction or lower compliance compared to a PVC IV bag.

Advantageously, engagement features of the IVspike110 can engage with IVcontainers102 that have thinner wall construction or lower compliance compared a PVC IV bag to ensure that the IVspike110 is securely engaged. Optionally, the IVspike110 can be used with a PVC IV bag.

After the IVspike110 is introduced into the IVcontainer102, medical fluid from the IVcontainer102 is permitted to flow through the IVspike110 to thedrip chamber104 and to the patient.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of an IVspike110 for use with the IVset100 ofFIG. 1, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the IVspike110 can be advanced through a membrane of an IV container to permit the outflow of the medical fluid within the IV container.

In the depicted example, thespike body120 pierces and displaces the membrane of the IV container. Thespike body120 extends from abase portion126 and converges to aspike portion122. In some embodiments, thespike body120 is generally an elongate member. Optionally, thespike body120 can have a generally cylindrical shape. Thespike body120 can be formed from a generally rigid material, including, but not limited to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic.

As illustrated, thespike portion122 converges to a point or more generally to a portion of reduced radius relative to thespike body120. Optionally, thespike portion122 can have abevel124. During operation, as theIV spike110 is advanced, thespike portion122 can pierce or rupture the membrane of the IV container, permitting thespike body120 to displace the membrane and be advanced into the IV container.

Once thespike body120 has ruptured the membrane and is advanced into the IV container, theovermold140 can retain theIV spike110 within the IV container. For example, theovermold140 can engage with the edges of the membrane or the IV container surrounding theIV spike110.

Upon insertion of thespike body120 into the IV container, theovermold140 can be sufficiently compliant to elastically deform to compress through the puncture site and/or expand past the puncture site. As a result, theovermold140 can have a greater surface area in contact with the membrane of the IV container. In some embodiments, theovermold140 can expand to seal and/or minimize small gaps between theIV spike110 and the membrane of the IV container to prevent or abate leaks, effectively acting as a gasket. Optionally, edges of the membrane of the IV container can engage or “dig in” to the compliant material of theovermold140.

In the depicted example, theovermold140 can be formed of a compliant material, such as a soft polymer, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and/or silicone. In some embodiments, theovermold140 can be formed from a material with a greater compliance (lower durometer) than the material of thespike body120.

Furthermore, theovermold140 can have a sufficient coefficient of friction to frictionally engage theovermold140 against the membrane of the IV container. In some embodiments, the coefficient of friction of the material of theovermold140 is greater than the coefficient of friction of the material of thespike body120.

As illustrated, theovermold140 is cylindrically and/or circumferentially formed over thespike body120. In some embodiments, theovermold140 is formed as a cylindrical body or as a skin over thespike body120. Optionally, theovermold140 can extend along an axial length of thespike body120. Theovermold140 can be formed by a “second shot” during the molding process of theIV spike110.

Optionally, theovermold140 can create a physical barrier that prevents the removal of the IV spike110 from the IV container. For example, edges of theovermold140 can engage the membrane of the IV container to prevent the removal of the IV spike110 from the IV container.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the IV spike110 ofFIG. 2, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the IV spike110 ofFIG. 2, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. With reference toFIGS. 2-4, after theIV spike110 is introduced into the IV container, the IV spike110 can facilitate the flow of medical fluid from the IV spike to the patient via the drip chamber.

In the depicted example, medical fluid flows from thespike flow ports130, through thespike body120 and exits theIV spike110 via thelower flow port112. As illustrated, thespike flow ports130 can be formed adjacent to or through thespike portion122 of thespike body120. Optionally, thespike flow ports130 can have an oblong cross-sectional profile. In some embodiments, thespike flow ports130 are disposed above theovermold140 to permit the flow of medical fluid and air through thespike flow ports130. In the depicted example, thespike flow ports130 are formed to continue through thespike body120. TheIV spike110 can include one or morespike flow ports130. For example, the IV spike110 can include threespike flow ports130.

As illustrated, thespike flow ports130 are in fluid communication with thelower flow port112. Thelower flow port112 allows fluid flow from the IV spike110 to a drip chamber. The drip chamber can be coupled to the IV spike via thedrip chamber connector114.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of anIV spike210 for use with the IV set100 ofFIG. 1, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the depicted example, theIV spike210 includes retention features242 that create a physical barrier that prevent the removal of the IV spike210 from the IV container.

In some embodiments, the retention features242 extend radially away from thespike body220. In the depicted example, the retention features242 have a tapered or barbed shape that allows the retention features242 to pass through the puncture site. As illustrated, the retention features242 can be axially spaced apart. In the depicted example, eachretention feature242 includes adistal radius242aand aproximal radius242b. Theretention feature242 can be tapered between thedistal radius242aand theproximal radius242b. As illustrated, thedistal radius242ais smaller than theproximal radius242b.

Upon insertion of theIV spike210, theproximal radius242bof theretention feature242 can engage against the membrane of the IV container. Advantageously, theproximal radius242bof theretention feature242 can provide a greater surface area to engage the membrane of the IV container to prevent the removal of the IV spike210 from the IV container. In some applications, the retention features242 can enlarge the puncture site as theIV spike210 is introduced.

In the depicted example, the retention features242 can be overmolded or formed of a compliant material, such as a soft polymer, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and/or silicone. In some embodiments, the retention features242 can be formed from a material with a greater compliance (lower durometer) than the material of thespike body220.

Optionally, the retention features242 can be formed from a same or similar material as thespike body220. In some embodiments, the retention features242 are integrally formed with thespike body220.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of anIV spike310 for use with the IV set100 ofFIG. 1, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the depicted example, theIV spike310 includes an upper retention feature, barb, orchamfer face344 and a lower retention feature, barb, orchamfer face346 that cooperatively create a physical barrier that prevent the removal of the IV spike310 from the IV container.

In some embodiments, theupper retention feature344 and thelower retention feature346 extend radially away from thespike body320. In the depicted example, theupper retention feature344 and thelower retention feature346 each have a tapered shape. As illustrated, theupper retention feature344 and thelower retention feature346 can be axially spaced apart.

In the depicted example, theupper retention feature344 includes an upperdistal radius344aand an upperproximal radius344b. Theupper retention feature344 can be tapered between the upperdistal radius344aand the upperproximal radius344b. As illustrated, the upperdistal radius344ais smaller than the upperproximal radius344b. In some embodiments, the smaller upperdistal radius344aof theupper retention feature344 allows theupper retention feature344 to pass through the puncture site.

Similarly, thelower retention feature346 includes a lowerdistal radius346aand a lowerproximal radius346b. Thelower retention feature346 can be tapered between the lowerdistal radius346aand the lowerproximal radius346b. As illustrated, the lowerdistal radius346ais larger than the lowerproximal radius346b.

Upon insertion of theIV spike310, the upperproximal radius344bof theupper retention feature344 can engage against the membrane of the IV container. Similarly, the lowerdistal radius346aof thelower retention feature346 can engage against the opposite side of the membrane of the IV container, allowing the membrane to be retained (creating a “hard stop”) between theupper retention feature344 and thelower retention feature346 to prevent the removal of the IV spike310 from the IV container. In some embodiments, the use of theupper retention feature344 and thelower retention feature346 permits for the reuse of an IV container with theIV spike310.

In the depicted example, theupper retention feature344 and thelower retention feature346 can be overmolded or formed of a compliant material, such as a soft polymer, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and/or silicone. In some embodiments, theupper retention feature344 and thelower retention feature346 can be formed from a material with a greater compliance (lower durometer) than the material of thespike body320.

Optionally, theupper retention feature344 and thelower retention feature346 can be formed from a same or similar material as thespike body320. In some embodiments, theupper retention feature344 and thelower retention feature346 are integrally formed with thespike body320.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of anIV spike410 for use with the IV set100 ofFIG. 1, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the depicted example, theIV spike210 includes axial retention features448 that create a physical barrier that prevent the removal of the IV spike410 from the IV container.

In some embodiments, the axial retention features448 extend axially along and radially away from thespike body420. In the depicted example, the axial retention features448 have a ribbed shape that smoothly tapers to a centralradial height448athat allows the axial retention features448 to pass through the puncture site. In some embodiments, the axial retention features448 can be radially spaced apart.

Upon insertion of theIV spike410, the taper of the axial retention features448 can engage against the membrane of the IV container. Advantageously, axial retention features448 can provide a greater surface area to engage the membrane of the IV container to prevent the removal of the IV spike410 from the IV container.

In the depicted example, the axial retention features448 can be overmolded or formed of a compliant material, such as a soft polymer, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and/or silicone. In some embodiments, the axial retention features448 can be formed from a material with a greater compliance (lower durometer) than the material of thespike body420.

Optionally, the axial retention features448 can be formed from a same or similar material as thespike body420. In some embodiments, the axial retention features448 are integrally formed with thespike body420.

In some embodiments, the IV spikes described herein can include one or more or any combination of the retention features described herein. Additionally, and without limitation, additional retention features can include O-rings, toroidal engagement features, spherical protrusions or engagement features, and/or spikes. Optionally, an IV spike can include retention features that are manipulated by the clinician or by introducing the IV spike to the IV container. For example, an IV spike can include a movable collar, a rotating cam assembly, or a movable oblong retention feature. In some embodiments, an IV spike can include retention features that are expandable after inserting the IV spike into the IV container. For example, an IV spike can include an expandable spike body, and/or a fluid absorbable retention feature. In some embodiments, an IV spike can include external retention features, including, but not limited to outer retainers that engage an outer surface of an IV container and/or hooks that engage an outer surface of an IV container.

The present disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one aspect, various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered to be at least equivalent.

A phrase such as an “aspect” does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as an “embodiment” does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such an embodiment may refer to one or more embodiments and vice versa. A phrase such as a “configuration” does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. A phrase such a configuration may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa.

In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. In one aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

In one aspect, the term “coupled” or the like may refer to being directly coupled. In another aspect, the term “coupled” or the like may refer to being indirectly coupled.

Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear” and the like if used in this disclosure should be understood as referring to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and a rear surface may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.

Various items may be arranged differently (e.g., arranged in a different order, or partitioned in a different way) all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.” Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the like is used, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

The Title, Background, Summary, Brief Description of the Drawings and Abstract of the disclosure are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the Detailed Description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of 35 U.S.C. § 101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.

Claims (12)

What is claimed is:

1. An IV spike, comprising:

a spike body comprising a first material and a spike portion converging to a point;

at least one spike flow port formed through the spike body;

a lower flow port in fluid communication with the at least one spike flow port; and

an overmolded engagement feature disposed around the spike body and extending radially away from the spike body, wherein the overmolded engagement feature comprises:

a second material;

an upper barb with an upper axially distal radius and an upper axially proximal radius, wherein the upper barb tapers from the smaller upper axially distal radius to the larger upper axially proximal radius; and

a lower barb with a lower axially distal radius and a lower axially proximal radius, wherein the lower barb tapers from the larger lower axially distal radius to the smaller lower axially proximal radius and the lower barb is axially spaced apart from the upper barb,

and wherein the overmolded engagement feature is configured to retain the IV spike within an IV container.

2. The IV spike ofclaim 1, wherein the first material comprises acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic.

3. The IV spike ofclaim 1, wherein the spike portion comprises a bevel.

4. The IV spike ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one spike flow port is disposed adjacent to the spike portion.

5. The IV spike ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one spike flow port comprises a plurality of flow ports.

6. The IV spike ofclaim 1, wherein the second material comprises a greater coefficient of friction than the first material.

7. The IV spike ofclaim 1, wherein the second material comprises a thermoplastic elastomer or silicone.

8. The IV spike ofclaim 1, wherein the overmolded engagement feature comprises a cylindrical body.

9. The IV spike ofclaim 8, wherein the overmolded engagement feature is disposed circumferentially around the spike body.

10. The IV spike ofclaim 1, wherein the overmolded engagement feature comprises an axial retention feature with a central height extending radially away from the spike body.

11. A method to transfer fluid from an IV container to a drip chamber, the method comprising:

engaging an overmolded engagement feature of an IV spike against a membrane of the IV container, wherein the overmolded engagement feature comprises:

a material different than the IV spike;

an upper barb with an upper axially distal radius and an upper axially proximal radius, wherein the upper barb tapers from the smaller upper axially distal radius to the larger upper axially proximal radius; and

a lower barb with a lower axially distal radius and a lower axially proximal radius, wherein the lower barb tapers from the larger lower axially distal radius to the smaller lower axially proximal radius, wherein the membrane of the IV container is axially disposed between the upper barb and the lower barb; and

directing flow from the IV container to the drip chamber through the IV spike.

12. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising:

piercing the IV container by advancing the IV spike through the membrane of the IV container; and

advancing the IV spike into the IV container.

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